PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE                                       2319

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class performs routine nonprofessional duties related to physical therapy treatments for patients at the Suffolk County Nursing Home.  The incumbent is closely supervised while assisting in treatment, but performs routine custodial tasks under minimal supervision.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Transports patients to and from physical therapy sessions in wheel­chairs, stretchers and geri-chairs;

          Assists patients with gait training and wheelchair training;

          Assists Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants in adminis­tering various treatments using paraffin, cold packs, whirlpools, quartz lights, etc.;

          Cultures whirlpools, prepares whirlpools for use, prepares patients for whirlpool treatments and sterilizes whirlpools after use;

          Changes linen and wheelchair pads as necessary;

          Assists with bedside range-of-motion exercises;

          Assists in transferring patients from wheelchairs to mats, from stret­chers to tables, etc.;

          Checks patients' records to assure that necessary treatments have been performed;

          Checks supplies and keeps statistics related to duties performed.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the proper use of standard physical therapy equip­ment; good knowledge of potential safety hazards during treatment and of appropriate precautions and remedial measures; working knowledge of physical therapy treatment modalities; ability to carry out instructions and maintain simple records; ability to maintain a courteous and sympathetic attitude toward patients; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

           OPEN COMPETITIVE

           Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and one (1) year of experience as an aide in a physical therapy program or as a certified nurses' aide.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment, employee must be listed in the New York State RHCF Nurse Aide Registry.  This certification must be continued throughout the term of employment.

 

R2/12/96

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Labor